Page 87 of The Estate
Cal couldn’t comprehend what he was hearing. It was what he hoped and dreamed for so long. As relieved as he was that the estate was safe, he couldn’t stop the wave of the anxiety that followed. As things stood, his parents could continue to control the future of the estate.
“You’ll let me build it and grow it my way? On my timeline with no predetermined profit margins?” he questioned, his voice hard. No way was he going through this with them again.
His parents looked at each other and had one of those couple’s eyebrow things. Where they communicate fully without ever saying a word. Whatever his father was seeing didn’t sit well, but after a moment he grudgingly agreed. “Fine. We can abide by that.”
Cal’s suspicions were up, so he demanded, “Are you sure?”
His mother’s sigh was sharp. “We really do want the most advantageous result for the estate and the family legacy and, by extension, you.”
“Excellent.” Cal replied quickly, making a snap decision. “Then I will buy you out. We can formulate the details together, but the only way this works is if I have total control.”
He was probably seeing things, but he swore he saw grudging respect in their eyes. When they both acknowledged their agreement, he felt like he could fly.
“We’ll meet next week and discuss the details,” his father said. “Now your mother and I have to return to the party. There are several people we need to see.”
Cal kept his mouth shut, letting his father have the last word. They didn’t look entirely happy about things. No need to push his luck tonight. He’d wait a couple of days before setting up that meeting, letting them get used to the notion of the distillery and the buyout. That would give him time to draft the necessary contracts and solidify his plan for the trust payment.
Another server brushed by him en route to the kitchen, shaking him out of his contemplation. He ought to check in with Jess and ask if she needed help, though likely she didn't. She had this event sewed up in tiny little orderly rows.
What he couldn’t let go of was how Rachel presented the distillery option in her report. She’d included part of his five-year plan. The same document his parents refused to read. Had he even shared that with her?
As he started walking, it was as if his thoughts had conjured her. Rachel was walking toward him, carrying a large brown paper-wrapped parcel.
His eyes took in everything from her new hairstyle to the gorgeous blue dress she was wearing. She looked like a vision. A vision that he very much wanted to hold and not let go of for a long-ass time.
“Rachel,” he breathed when they met halfway across the foyer. “You look amazing. That dress is stunning,” he added, unable to edit his words. The dusty pink blush that touched her cheeks at his words provided him a deep sense of satisfaction. He loved when she reacted to him like that.
“Thanks, Cal. That’s very kind of you to say.”
“And,” he continued. “Your hair looks very nice. A new haircut?”
She nervously tugged on it. “Yes, it’s new. Kinda short for me.”
“I like it,” he said quickly, making her blush deepen.
“And I like your suit,” she responded.
Now it was his turn to be nervous. “Thanks. It’s a new look for me too,” he said. The slim cut navy suit complete with a vest had been pretty far outside his comfort zone, but when he’d shown it to Jess, she’d assured him it was a good look and certainly nice enough to work the black-tie gala. “In a sea of tuxes,” he added. “It helps people find me.”
Here they both were—talking around the obvious issue. Looking around the crowded foyer, he asked, “Rachel, can we go somewhere and talk privately?”
“Please. I’d like that, Cal.”
Turning toward the kitchen, they’d taken only a few steps when Jess sailed up, clipboard in hand and a bright smile on her face.
“Rachel,” Jess sighed, tears shining in her eyes. “You look incredible.”
“Thanks Jess. That means a lot.”
“And this hair,” she reached out turning Rachel to the side so she could see more of it. “This is a seriously kick ass style. Looks even better in person.”
Cal noticed the blush staining Rachel’s cheeks as Jess continued to compliment her sister’s new look.And what a look it was.He had to agree with Jess. Rachel looked incredible. Then again, she was always beautiful to him whether smeared with dirt from plumping repair, chowing down on a Vinny’s sub, or with a smear of fluff on her lip.
“Okay,” Jess said suddenly. “I have to run.” Looking at Cal, she assessed his outfit. “Looking good, boss man.”
“Thanks Jess. You need help with anything?”
“Nah, I’m good.” She turned back to Rachel, pulling her into a tight hug.
